Addressed Datagram Control for Downhole Piping Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole control systems for piping assemblies face challenges in deep cased wells due to pressure limitations, requiring lengthy operating times and complex pressure sequences, which reduces reliability and increases the risk of mishaps during well completion and fracing operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing addressed datagrams transmitted through various mediums to control controllable devices, including valves and pumps, allowing for efficient communication and logical operations without the need for excessive pressure fluctuations, using transmitters, receivers, and controllers to manage device positions and actions within piping assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure controlled valve devices are used in deep cased wells, then device operation is possible, but operating time becomes excessively long and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-controlled valve actuation system with an electrical/electronic control system. Downhole tools equipped with motors, pumps, and valves are controlled by electrical signals transmitted through the drill string conductors, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pressure sequencing mechanisms and significantly reducing operating time while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical conductors within the drill string as an intermediary communication medium. These conductors transmit control signals and power from the surface to downhole tools, serving as a mediator that enables precise control without requiring complex pressure control sequences through the drilling fluid
2Reliability
If pressure controlled valve devices are used in deep cased wells, then device operation is possible, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-controlled valve actuation system with an electrical/electronic control system. Downhole tools equipped with motors, pumps, and valves are controlled by electrical signals transmitted through the drill string conductors, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pressure sequencing mechanisms and significantly reducing operating time while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control system where a single electrical conductor infrastructure within the drill string can control multiple different downhole tools and functions (drilling, measuring, fracturing, production) through standardized electrical signals, replacing the need for separate complex pressure control systems for each function
3Loss of time
If addressed datagram control system is implemented, then operating time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into modular components: surface control system, transmitted datagrams, downhole receivers, and individual tool controllers. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex control task to be divided into manageable segments that can be implemented and maintained independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses datagrams that carry address parameters and control parameters to identify specific downhole tools and commands. By changing the parameter structure of the control signals (from simple pressure sequences to structured digital datagrams with addresses and commands), the system achieves precise control with reduced operating time while managing complexity through standardized parameter formats
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system for generating and utilizing at least one or more addressed datagrams that communicate information to and from devices along piping assemblies comprising; one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, and one or more controllers, wherein the transmitters transmit information via one or more addressed datagrams encoded within a working medium to one or more receivers among the piping assemblies, is described. Transmitters convert datagrams into signals that are transmitted within the working medium and the receivers receive signals from the transmitters and also convert signals from the working medium which is converted back into datagrams. The controllers receive and decode the datagrams so that the controllers selectively communicate and perform logical operations on piping assembly devices according to directions received from the addressed datagrams. The entire control system can function as a network of controllers, receivers, transmitters, and/or transponders as required by one or more users.